Question

read the second stanza of \some keep the sabbath going to church.\

some keep the sabbath in surplice -
i just wear my wings -
and instead of tolling the bell, for church,
our little sexton - sings.

what is the effect of the word \surplice,\ which is a garment worn by the clergy, in this stanza?

• it reinforces the difference between the natural things the speaker holds dear and the rituals of the church.
• it reinforces the poets belief that most people feel the need to attend church.
• it reinforces the poets authority by suggesting that she knows quite a bit about religious rituals.
• it reinforces the speakers view that great mystery lies at the heart of most religious rituals.

Explanation:

Analyze the stanza's context

Using the Emily Dickinson Poetry knowledge point, we examine the contrast established in the second stanza of "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church." The speaker contrasts traditional religious practices with her personal, nature-based worship.

Evaluate the word "surplice"

Using the Poetic Tone Analysis knowledge point, we analyze the specific word choice. A "surplice" is a white vestment worn by clergy during church services. By stating "Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice – / I just wear my Wings –", the speaker contrasts the formal, artificial garments of church officials with her own natural, simple attire ("Wings"). This reinforces the distinction between formal church rituals and the natural world she cherishes.

Assess the given options

• Option 1: Correctly identifies that "surplice" highlights the contrast between the natural elements the speaker values (like her "Wings") and the formal, institutional rituals of the church.
• Option 2: Incorrect, as the poem celebrates her personal choice rather than reinforcing what "most people feel."
• Option 3: Incorrect, as the speaker does not seek to establish her own authority on religious rituals.
• Option 4: Incorrect, as the stanza does not focus on a "great mystery" within religious rituals.

Answer:

• (A) It reinforces the difference between the natural things the speaker holds dear and the rituals of the church. (Correct answer)
• (B) It reinforces the poet's belief that most people feel the need to attend church.
• (C) It reinforces the poet's authority by suggesting that she knows quite a bit about religious rituals.
• (D) It reinforces the speaker's view that great mystery lies at the heart of most religious rituals.